Scottish Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Course
Five Days of Winter Climbing in the Scottish Highlands
Join our Scottish Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Course for an unforgettable week of climbing and mountaineering on Scotland’s most iconic winter routes. From Ben Nevis to the Cairngorms, we’ll guide you across ridges, gullies, mixed terrain, snow, and ice — wherever the conditions are best.
Location: Fort William, Highlands of Scotland
Price: £925 per person
Ratio: 1 instructor to 2 clients
Duration: 5 days
Private 1:1 guiding available at our standard rate.
Course Overview
This week-long Scottish winter climbing course is designed for those ready to take their mountaineering to the next level. You’ll climb classic winter routes across Scotland, including potential venues like:
Ben Nevis
Glen Coe
Aonach Mòr
Creag Meagaidh
The Cairngorms
Led by experienced instructors Rob Johnson and Huw Gilbert, we tailor each day to suit your goals, experience, and the weather. With a flexible 1:2 ratio and small group size (max 4 clients), you’ll receive personalized coaching and plenty of climbing time.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
Climbers progressing from winter hillwalking to graded winter climbing
Those with prior experience on graded winter terrain seeking more mileage
Returning clients who love the thrill of Scottish winter mountaineering
You’ll be challenged physically and mentally, so a good level of hill fitness is essential. Expect to carry a heavy pack and climb in all weather conditions for five consecutive days.
What You’ll Learn
Our goal is to develop your confidence, skills, and decision-making in winter mountain environments. Topics include:
Ice axe and crampon refresher
Ice axe arrest techniques
Climbing routes up to Grade III/IV (based on experience and conditions)
Route finding on ridges, gullies, cornices, and steep snow
Movement skills on graded winter terrain
Using guidebooks, weather forecasts, and avalanche reports
Plenty of practical climbing and mountaineering where we add to your existing skills to move you towards independent winter climbing.
Sample Programme
Days 1–5:
Each day, we’ll climb Grade I to IV winter routes, focusing on both ridges and gullies. Route choice depends on weather, avalanche risk, and team ability. You’ll be involved in planning and decision-making to build your independence.
If conditions prevent high mountain access, we’ll switch to low-level alternatives such as:
Roped scrambles
Dry tooling
Winter skills workshops
Routes & Grades
We’re not grade-driven — our priority is safe, enjoyable days in the mountains. Routes will be selected based on:
Your previous experience
Your climbing partner’s ability
Team fitness
Current conditions
Why Choose Us?
Running Scottish winter courses since 2006
Instructors hold the WMCI qualification — the highest in the UK
Full members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors
Passionate, professional, and safety-focused
Small group sizes for personalized instruction
Experience & Fitness Requirements
To join this course, you should have:
Completed a winter skills course (5 days) or
Logged 15+ days of personal winter hillwalking using ice axe and crampons
Experience in outdoor rock climbing or advanced scrambling
Familiarity with basic ropework (e.g., tying into a harness, clove hitch, Italian hitch)
You must be physically fit and prepared for strenuous activity. Pre-course training (running, cycling, swimming) is highly recommended.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included, allowing you to choose somewhere that suits your budget. Fort William offers a wide range of options, all within walking distance of our meeting point. Visit this page for travel and accommodation options.
After booking, you’ll gain access to our travel forum to coordinate lifts and accommodation with other participants.
What’s Included
Meeting Point & Times
After booking, you’ll receive:
Confirmation email
Detailed course notes
Kit list
Meeting instructions
Courses begin at 8:30 AM in Fort William and finish around 5:00 PM daily.
Got Questions?
If you need more info, visit our — we’re happy to help.
Ready to Climb Scotland’s Finest Winter Routes?
[Book Your Scottish Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Course Now]
Course Dates
2027
11-15 Jan: 2 spaces
18-22 Jan: 3 spaces
1-5 Feb: 1 space
8-12 Feb: Fully booked
8-12 March: 1 space
15-19 March: 2 spaces
Scottish winter climbing & mountaineering course reviews
Great week in the Scottish Highlands doing a variety of routes and learning many useful skills on the mountains, which can be applied both in winter and summer. The instructors are highly experienced and patient to teach students with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience and skills. Highly recommended to anyone looking to learn new skills or as a refresher to those with some experience. By Fabio C on Mar 31, 2025
It’s always a great time out with Rob and this was no different. Though conditions were challenging at the start of the week we got some great routes done and as conditions improved we made the most of it. A brilliant week and already looking forward to next year! By Thomas M on Jan 26, 2025
“Having been inspired by Rob for over a decade to experience some of the best scrambles and climbs in Wales, it was fantastic to finally spend a week with him in Scotland developing skills that I had previously not had the opportunity to get to grips with. His relaxed and friendly style soon banished any nerves and his calm efficiency and risk management gave me a new way of looking at my own performance and how to improve on any areas I wasn’t so confident in. Rob’s route choices were brilliant and the days were paced really well and packed with useful information. Ledge Route on Ben Nevis was the highlight of a great week but what will stay with me the most is the privilege of having shared some of the pleasure and enthusiasm that Rob and Huw clearly have for what they do. My mate Mozz and I were really well looked after but also encouraged to think for ourselves. Best course I’ve ever been on by a long way and one that will still be making me smile for years to come. Thanks guys!”
By Mark D on Feb 18, 2024
Scottish Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Week
Read More Reviews
This was my second winter mountaineering week with Rob and Huw and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly, knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and love the outdoors. This year I anticipated a week of winter mountaineering with no snow but Huw took us on snowy ridges, up snow filled gullies, and even found a little ice climbing! Awesome week, thanks Huw! By Sophie L on Mar 23, 2025
